Snead Bookstacks And Stack Room Equipment

BOOKSTACKS
& STACK ROOM
EOUIPMENT

SNEAD & COMPANY

ESTABLISHED 1849

92 PINE STREET, JERSEY CITY, NEW JERSEY

Copyright 1931, by Snead & Company

STERLING MEMORIAL LIBRARY, Yale Vntverstty
Equipped With Snead Standard Stacks

James Gamble Rogers, Inc, Arckiiecis

Andrew Keogh, Librarian

FOREWORD

ODAY, metal bookstacks are accepted
everywhere as the only practical and
suitable equipment for the modern li-
brary As the leading firm engaged in

their manufa'iiture, the name of Snead and Company

has been identified with metal bookstacks ever since

they w^e f^rs^ designed

Because of tRe great wealth of material which
we have available in this field, the subject some-
times appears unduly complicated to those inex-
perienced in library design For that reason we
publish this little book, to serve as a guide to those
who are concerned with either the public or private
library, and to set certain standards from which
more detailed and elaborate plans can be made

It seems unnecessary to suggest that librarians
will find themselves m a decidedly advantageous
position in discussing their requirements with the
library board, architect or bookstack representa-
tive, if they are informed of the simple principles
of library bookstack planning outlined in this
brochure

Library equipment of a truly modern type — that
IS, fireproof, compact, durable and capable of wide
expansion vertically as well as horizontally — came
into being about 40 years ago, when the Library
of Congress at Washington was built Snead and
Company was the manufacturer of this revolu-
tionary nme-tier metal bookstack, and has been
closely allied with every stage of the development
of the modem library since that inception

When great libraries are built in any part of
the world, Snead and Company is usually called
into consultation A recent example of this is the

(over)

re-organization and rebuilding of the Vatican
Library at Rome

The conclusion must not be drawn, however,
that Snead and Company is interested solely in
large library projects On the contrary, the modest
public library, the legal library, the private collec-
tion, or the school, church or club library, as well
as the large university or city library, can all be
suitably and economically housed with Snead equip-
ment Whether you wish to secure Snead equip-
ment to be installed by local workmen, or whether

you desire Snead and Company to take full re-
sponsibility for everything in the stack room, you
may be assured of the fullest co-operation and serv-
ice, at every stage from the plans to the finished
library

On the following pages we outline the funda-
mentals which It IS necessary to understand before
planning a library, and describe in some detail
certain standards of equipment which we have estab-
lished in order that every library may enjoy the
price advantages of quantity production

An example of a small Snead tnstallalion sho’u.tng Snead Standard Stacks, Type B, in Public Library
Teaneck, N J '

STANDARDIZATION OF BOOKSTACK TYPES

EALIZING the saving m expense and
the prompt shipment possible if certain
standards can be adhered to m the selec-
tion of library equipment, we have
worked out a group of types and sizes, all more
or less adjustable, which should be of real help
m planning a library These standards were se-
lected after a careful survey of the kind of equip-
ment most frequently used by libraries, and are
based on our knowledge of the problems en-
countered in library design Aside from an ap-
preciable saving m expense, uniformity based on
standards such as these allows for interchanging
and expansion of the stack capacity by units

The bookstacks which we describe in detail
in this booklet, fall into two types Bracket and
Standard The Bracket types are less expensive
in first price and transportation costs and are more
easily erected by local workmen The Standard

types are often preferred for their architectural
merit, compactness, convenience, iigidity, com-
pleteness in detail and superiority of finish The
Standard stack illustrated in Figure 2 is the most
durable and beautiful bookstack made, excellent
from every point of view

The Bracket type stack is itself divided into
two classes top-braced and free-standing (see fig-
ures 3 and 4) The latter
is slightly more expen- j
sive due to its heavy four-
inch fixed base Such free- ^ *

standing stacks may be • «
screwed to the floor or ?

simply set up without any C f '
attachment, their weight [ 4

and design keeping them

firm and rigid Single-faced Bracket stacks are
usually fastened to the wall with expansion bolts

the

Fig 1 Pi ee-siandtng Bracket Stack viith co*vered ends^ Ne^w
York County Laeuyers Association^ Nev) Yoik City

Pig 2 Snead Standard Stack, Type B, nvith solid panel design
end uprights, showng easy adjustability of Snead open bar
shelves

5

All of these Bracket type stacks are delivered com-
pletely finished with baked-on enamel They are
light, compact and easily assembled

If the Bracket stack is selected and it is thought
desirable to make it more attractive m appear-
ance, steel ends (see figure 1) may be added
There ai e certain dimensions which have proved
most satisfactory and which we therefore strongly
recommend The most desirable shelf length is
3'0" We advise dividing available space in
multiples as close as possible to these figures
Shelves aie made 8", 10" and 12" deep, for books,
and 18", and occasionally 22" deep, for news-
papers The best Bracket stack height for single
tier installations is 7'3" over-all, which allows for 7
rows of books shelves or about 12 rows of news-
paper shelves — all of which are adjustable every
inch m the top-braced type, while the base shelf is
stationary and the rest adjustable in the free-
standing type Of course, stacks may be higher,
if so desired, but if possible one should avoid the
necessity of using a step ladder If the stacks are
to be higher, and if 14 to IS feet of clear height
IS available, a multi-tier design is the most satis-
factory solution Multi-tier work is taken up

Ftg J Single Her installation showng Snead top braced
bracket stack in the Norviegian Institute of Technology,
Trondhjem, Nomstay

in more detail on page 11 of this book

The Snead Standard stack with cast iron shelf
supports, which is a direct descendant of the Li-
brary of Congress stack,
has a satisfying archi-
tectural character and is
extremely substantial and
attractive from every
point of view The facts
that It can be given any
finish and color, and that
special designs may be
embodied in the end panels, allow it to be treated
as an integral and contributing part of the interior
design of the building

The same considerations concerning shelf
lengths apply to the Standard as to the Bracket
stack The shelves come 8", 10" and 12" deep and
may be either the plain solid steel plate or the
special Snead Open Bar shelves In either case
they are given four-point support in place The
adjustable shelves are completely factory-finished
in baked-on ebony black japan, the most durable
finish known

All parts except the adjustable shelves are
shipped with a prime finish of gray paint and the

Tig 4- Snead free-standing bracket siach For added attrac’^
itveness, steel ends and cover plates may be added Note
5" and 18” nevjspaper shelves, top and bottom, rear

final color is put on after the stack is m place have to charge for sending our own men We are
This has been found preferable to factory enamel- glad to undertake the complete responsibility, bow-
ing because it gives the most satisfactory effect, ever, if it is desired

and may be touched up when necessary, without Bookstacks of the sheet steel type (see figure
such repairs being apparent 6), usually fall about

The Standard stack height for single tier in- halfway between the
stallations has been established at 7'4", though Biacket and the other

here, again, variation is standard type in erected
possible This height ac- price This stack is made
commodates six rows of ^n over-all height of
adjustable shelves, and a 7 ' 6 "^ has a 4" high base
fixed bottom or base shelf 2" deep cover plate

4" high At the top a 2" There are regularly six
deep cover plate is pro- shelves with vertical adjustment at intervals of
vided No overhead brae- Regular shelf sizes are 8", 10" and 12" in depth,
ing of any kind is re- and a 3'0" shelf length is recommended here, as
quired with the Standard stack, though single-faced m other cases All parts of sheet steel stacks are
ranges usually are attached to the walls shipped finished with baked-on enamel and no field

Due to standardization and large production, finishing is necessary This type is particularly
we can offer this finest and most durable stack at suitable for low shelving under windows (see fig-
prices which make it available to every library ure 12)

If a single tier Standard stack is required, its The great advantage of having standard widths,
erection and finishing may be undertaken by the heights and lengths in mind when planning a stack
owners We furnish complete instructions and lo- room is at once apparent In addition, a number
cal workmen can usually do an entirely satisfactory of other points should be remembered In the first
piece of work at a cost much below what we would place, it is always cheaper to install stacks in a plain

M

Ft^ 5 Snead Standard Stack, American Insittuie of Banking, Fig 6 Free-standing steel Standard Stacks, Essex County

New York City Law Library, Newark, N J

Fig 7 Snead Standard Stack, Type A, Baker Memorial
Library, Dartmouth College, Hanover, N H

square or rectangular space Wall irregularities,
pipes, baseboards, moulding and such protrusions
should be completely eliminated or reduced to a
minimum This is likewise true of wainscoting,
chair rails and plaster ornamentation, all of which
may increase the special work necessary If possi-
ble, have wall piers built to project outward rather
than into the stack rooms

In the past we have learned that it is not satis-
factory, eithei to the own-
ers or to ourselves, to
quote prices until we have
some data on the par-
ticular problem Since
every library differs from
others in many details,
any figures given would
be so widely approximate
as to be valueless We suggest rather that you
follow one of these plans either (a) fill m the
specification blank enclosed with this book, or (b)

D o not hesitate to con-
sult with us at any time
You may be sure you will
receive our fullest coopera-
tion, and the advantage of
our forty years of experi-
ence, without any obligation
to yourself

Fig to Snead sheet steel fujall cases,
Widen er Memorial Library, Har-
vard University

Fig 11 Snead Standard Type B
Stack tn the Reading Room, second
floor, Legler Branch, Chicago Puh^
he Library

Fig, 12 Snead sheet steel lov) cases
located under vnndovss, Tulane
University, Nev) Orleans, La

9

A ll three illustrations
k on this page show the
attractiveness of balcony
effects, possible only with
multi-tier construction

I Fig 13 Snead Standard Type B
Stacks, multi-tier construction, ^itk
paneled ends. Port Chester Public
Library, Port Chester, N Y

Fig 14 Snead Standard Stack,
Type A, multi-tier construction,
Minneapolis Public Library

Fig 15 Snead Standard Stack,
Type B, multi-tier construction,
fwith ornamental end panels, Ne^vo
York Public Library, Patents Room,
New Yotk City

10

jREVlOUS to the building of the Library
of Congress, the capacity of libraries
was usually increased either by adding
to the shelving vertically or by the use
of balconies, or both Recent years have brought
more and more attention, however, to the multi-
tier construction m which ranges are built one upon
another so that the bookstacks themselves become
an integral part of the building, serving not only
to house adequately large numbers of books but
also to carry the deck floors and help support the
roof and brace the walls This idea is so distinctly
revolutionary, and has such far-reaching applica-
tions, that It IS receiving much attention from
modern library architects

Either the Bracket or Standard type stack is
suitable for multi-tier construction, though the lat-
ter, due to Its architectural character, adds more

to the interior beauty of the building Because of
the elaborate nature of multi-tier work, our usual
practice is to contract with the owners for the
complete construction, with the bookstacks finished,
painted and in place

Our experts have given special consideration to
the question of interior finish and deck flooring in
multi-tier work While space here does not permit
us to go into this subject, we shall be glad to advise
you at any time

Our facilities are flexible enough so that we
can take charge, under one contract, of everything
necessary to equip fully both the stack and the
service rooms of the modern library — including
lighting, heating, ventilating, air conditioning, deck
flooring, book conveying facilities, and all the
accessories of the efficient stack room

Ftg 16 One tier of a mulu-uer bracket stack, tn the San Fig 17 Multi-tier standard stack, Type A, Albert Emanuel

Francisco Public Library Library , University of Dayton, Dayton, Ohio, showing

stripped upper tier to be equipped later

11

^ig 19 Snead Standard Type B Stacks in the Mt Pleasant
Branch Library, Washington, D C, showing wooden trim
carried over the face of the range

The fact that we have set certain standards,
outlined m the previous pages, should not be
taken to imply that Snead and Company is not
prepared to supply any type of bookstack
equipment, no matter how much it may vary
from standard dimensions These standards
have been set up only to facilitate planning and
to lessen costs to the owners

There are, however, a great many cases
where especially designed work is the best so-
lution One such case is the intimate private
library or special collection, where the standard
types of bookstacks may not seem particularly
suitable or appropriate, or where requirements
may be unusual

A second case where special design work is
obviously called for is in equipping a stack
room which does not divide up economically
according to standard dimensions In such

12

Ftg 20 Tfivo-tter Snead Standard Type B Stacks, Cblomal de-
sign, tn the Maryland Htstortcal Society, Baltimore, Maryland

circumstances it is far better to pay the addi-
tional cost of especially fabricated equipment
rather than to waste space It should be borne
in mind that the additional cost of special de-
sign work IS far greater, proportionately, in
the small installation than the large one Be-
cause the chief source of extra charges lies in
preparation rather than manufacturing costs,
the added expense is easily absorbed in the
erection of a large library

If you are in doubt concerning the advisa-
bility of special design work, or if you wish to
know whether the variations from standard
dimensions required in your case will necessi-
tate special work, do not hesitate to write
Snead and Company for advice It may be that
we will be able to suggest an arrangement of
standard units which will suit your purpose and
thus avoid the expense of special work

Ftg 21 Snead sheet steel cases nvith glass doors, Widencr
Memorial Library, Harvard University

13

We have standardized our bookstack railings in
several attractive designs, shown on this page
The plain bar railing consists of square steel bars,
Yi inch in section, spaced 4" apart and set into
small channel frames at top and bottom The top
channel also carries a hand-rail This plain type
has been somewhat varied by modifications in the
spacing and grouping of the bars as shown More
elaborate ladings can be made especially, but the

modern tendency is towards simplicity

In line with this trend, the inexpensive pipe rail-
ing is now widely used Since the majority of stack
rails are used on stairs and as guards at windows,
the sanitary, easily-cleaned pipe design is entirely
suitable Where the stack decks run across arched
door openings or in other exposed places, the bar
railing is usually preferred unless strict economy
must take precedence over other considerations

14

Ftg 22 Shotting double automatic bookhft, San Francisco
Public Library, completely enclosed nvtth sliding doors, and
prepared for vertical extension

Fig 23 Hand povoer booklift installed in a stack compart-
ment, Dairen Public Library, Manchuria The most eco-
nomical type of booklift

■ N A multi-tier stack that is too small to
require an automatic book distributor or
electric elevator, a small hand-power
booklift is usually found necessary The
type and size are naturally determined by the use
to which it will be put A car measuring about
16 by 20 by 30 inches, inside, with one inter-
mediate hinged shelf, operated by a hand rope
and with an automatic brake, will usually solve the
problem adequately Smaller outfits are made, the
simplest being a pair of balanced trays, or even
one tray counterweighted , but these are only in-
tended to carry two or three volumes at a time
The more generally used dumb-waiter type re-
quires a continuous enclosure of steel plate or wire
mesh with attendant framing and accessories, the
simple machinery being housed at the top of the
shaft One of the most popular methods of en-
closing a lift is to build It right into a stack com-
partment at the end of a range near the center of
the stack room, and this is usually the least ex-
pensive arrangement An opening is put in the
shaft at each stack level about three feet above the
floor, with a ledge shelf for the convenient han-
dling of books No doors are necessary

For larger requiiements an inexpensive electric
elevator can be installed, involving very small run-
ning expense for power, maintenance and repairs
A shaft 4'9" by S'3" will accommodate a car 3'4"
by 4'4", inside dimensions, sufficient for a book
truck and an attendant Doors should be provided
at each stack and floor level An automatic push
button control elevator is safe and easy to operate

S ARTIFICIAL light must be relied
upon in a majority of cases, especially
in multi-tier work, arrangements for
lighting the bookstacks are a very im-
portant consideration m making library plans If
selected with care, lighting can be convenient, dur-
able, efficient and attractive, without undue expense
In one-tier work a great amount of natural light
can usually be counted on and the proper spacing
of a sufficient number of regular ceiling reflectors
IS all that need be planned But if the ceiling is
high or an irregular stack layout prevents proper
diffusion, separate lamps for the stacks must be
installed In this case the work is similar to that
used in multi-tier installations

The principle upon which the Snead stack aisle
light reflector was designed is based on control of
light by means of a perforated reflecting surface,
the amount of light passing through being regulated
by the size and position of the perforations, and the
rest being reflected by a white vitreous enamel inside
surface to distant books A light-bafile along the
axis of the aisle protects the eyes from glare and
has the effect of softening the illumination It has
been found that when the reflectors are spaced
6 to 7j4 feet apart, the rays from one overlap
those from the adjacent ones and the shadow of
the baffle does not strike the books Reflector and
receptacle are worked out together so as to obtain
the maximum amount of headroom Steel was se-
lected as the material on account of its durability,
and the shape was developed to direct the light
rays properly, and at the same time to prevent loss
of efficiency through accumulation of dust

Over 4000 reflectors have been installed in the
new Sterling Memorial Library, Yale University
— the greatest single bookstack lighting installation
in the world Installations have also been made at
the Engineering Foundation Library (New York) ,
Cornell, University of Rochester, University of

Lyons (France), and International Institute of
Private Law (Rome)

The horizontal lighting conduits are usually
passed through holes punched in the deck framing,
in multi-tier stacks, and rested on the cover plates
or top bracing of one-tier installations This places
the lights and reflectors as close as possible to the
books and leaves a maximum of headroom

The lights are best controlled from switches on
the range ends A less expensive method is to have
a hanging switch at each aisle or pull chains for
every light In any case, it is advisable to have a
master switch at the delivery desk

JPiff ^4" Sjiffdd Stdch AisIb Ltffht Rtflff ctoTs i Sttfltfiff ftnortnl
Library y Yale University j Neva Haven, Conn , illumination
solely from Snead Reflectors shovoing even distribution of light
and absence of glare

Ftgs 25 and 26 Detailed vtevjs of Snead sanitary unbreak-
able aisle light reflectors, Sterling Memorial Library, Yale
University, Nevu Haven, Conn

I OR many years past there has been a
crying need for a light reflector that
adequately met stack room requirements
Feeling some responsibility in the mat-
ter, Snead and Company undertook the solution
of the problem and after lengthy experimentation
and tests of over thirty different existing types
Snead and Company finally arrived at a solution
of the problem of an adequate stack reflector that
has been hailed with delight by the librarians who
have seen it

The Snead reflector is, we believe, quite unique
in durability and efficiency It is sanitary, inex-
pensive and entirely satisfactory in distributing
light to the allotted stack space It protects the
eyes from glare, is easy to clean, will not break if
dropped accidentally, and has a minimum number
of parts The installation is simple, and bulbs may
be readily replaced when necessary The whole
reflector is finished with two coats of baked-on
white vitreous enamel, a durable finish which can-
not be penetrated by dirt or grit and which has an
extremely high reflecting value

We shall be glad to send your library a Snead
reflector so that you may try it out in actual, daily
use.

17

E STRONGLY recommend the use of
Snead accessories with Snead bookstacks
to insure really satisfactory service
Naturally, all Snead accessories are
guaranteed, just as the bookstacks themselves are
Each one is carefully constructed from the best
materials and will last as long as the bookstack
Edges and surface finish in every case are per-
fectly smooth, so that contact with books and shelf
surfaces causes no damage, no tearing of bindings
or leaves, no scratching or chipping Simplicity
renders them easy to attach and use

Fig 27 SNEAD TIME SWITCH— Made of
cast iron fiotth clock4tke face having five minute
graduations from 0 to 60 By turning the handle
on the face to the right the svsitch can be set to
turn off the lights automatically in as many
minutes as may be desir£d, or by turning it hack
to the left the lights can he turned off immedi-
ately An adjustable stop on the shaft of the
handle can he set to reduce the time limit The
vihole IS held in place on the range end by tap

Ftg 28 REFERENCE SHELF— A sliding shelf attached to the under side of the adjustable shelf
and contained tn the stack compartment when not in use

18

Ftg 29 BOOK SUPPORT FOR SOLID
PLATE SHELF — The support ts held tn
position by the weight of the end books
which rest on a flat tongue extending hori-
zontally along the shelf The flanged
^vertical edges prevent books "straddling”
the support, thus damaging their leaves
Sturdily constructed from No 16 gauge
sheet steel finished tn hard, durable black
rubber japan Heights and W

Fig 30 BOOK SUPPORT FOR OPEN
BAR SHELF — Constructed of No 16
gauge sheet steel and finished in baked
black rubber japan A downward project-
ing i. shaped key fits between the shelf
bars, forming a lock when books press
against the top of the support The sup-
port IS easily adjusted with one hand when
grasped at the base Heights and 10'*

Fig 31 WIRE BOOK SUPPORT— This
support, fabricated of heavy spring wire,
engages the side flanges of the shelf above,
and extends downward, supporting the
books below For use with solid plate
shelves only

Ftg 32 SHELF LABEL
HOLDER — Made of cold
rolled steel and finished in
baked black rubber japan to
harmonize with the shelves
Readily adjustable by clip-
ping over the front edge of
an Open Bar or solid plate
shelf When attached, the
label holder cannot be dis-
lodged while moving books

Ftg 33 RANGE INDICATORS— Made
of plate steel finished in black japan, top
and bottom of both sides being flanged to
receive cards Card opening 2^* x 5^"

Fig 34- RANGE INDICATOR WITH
CARD FRAMES — Solid bronze card
frames attached to a V-shaped enameled
plate steel frame, and at ranged to receive
2^" X 4^" cards

Fxg 35 CARD FRAME— Made of pol-
ished bronze and attached to ike range
end by two inconspicuous tap screws Fur-
nished with either 2^" x 4^" or 1^" x
2]/i" card opening A bronzed cast iron
Card Frame is also furnished in the larger

size

19

Ftff 36 Sho*wtng sending and automatic
deliveiy opeiaitons at a stack room station,
University of Notth Carolina, Chapel
Hill N C

Fig 37 Return of hooks from delivery
desk to stack room station Toronto Puh^
he Refetence Library, Toronto, Ontario

Tig 38 Automatic delivery of hooks re-
turned to an open shelf room, Toronto
Public Reference Libiary, Toronto, On-
tario

■ IE Snead Book Conveyor or Distributor was recently
perfected after three years of extensive research, ex-
perimentation and the actual trial of numerous models
in our factory It is designed to take books from any
stack level to the delivery desk where they are automatically
discharged, and to take books from the delivery desk, discharging
them at any stack level The distributor will run either horizontally
or vertically as long as it is kept m one plane, and under certain
conditions it can be made to operate in more than one plane
Such a conveying system for books makes it possible to store
the majority of books in a large library in stack rooms quite
remote from the delivery desk This allows for the convenient
handling of large numbers of books and an extensive stack room,
and also permits the most advantageous location of public rooms
in the central part of the library

In designing this conveyor we had three problems especially m
mind — all of which are taken care of by the Snead distributor
First, It IS simple to operate and absolutely safe even in inexpert
hands Second, it is quiet and smooth-running. Third, it requires
no care except occasional lubrication and inspection Parts will
need replacement only at long intervals, and such parts are all
standard, so that they may be readily renewed

In principle, the Snead distributor consists of an endless single
chain conveyor (double chains are unsatisfactory because they
wear unevenly), which actuates a number of comb bottom book
carriers, held constantly in vertical position The chain is driven
by an electric motor controlled with stop and start buttons These
buttons are preferably located at the delivery desk with supple-
mentary buttons for emergency use at the stack decks

The usual operating speed is sixty-five feet a minute, though this
IS not arbitrary The book carriers are made of polished alumi-
num, smoothed and rounded to prevent any harm to books in
handling All moving parts are guarded and safety devices pro-
vided to prevent possible accidents from carelessness The key-
note of the whole Snead conveyor design is simplicity and a mini-
mum of maintenance attention

The distributor is preferably supplemented by a pneumatic
tube system which is used to send call slips from the delivery desk
to the various stack room stations However, if proper containers
are provided, the conveyor itself can be used for this purpose,
with some loss in the rapidity of service In any case, the conveyor
saves a large amount of time and '^foot-work” and eliminates
pushing loaded book trucks

So MANY libraries find it essential to provide finished in enamel to suit any color scheme The
special study compartments near the bookstacks completed partition is ngid^ incombustible and
that we have devised a method of partition con- permanent but readily disassembled for alteration
structi^ so flexible as to meet every requirement Low cases placed on the aisle side of the carrel
Snead Partitions are made in easily assembled units will give the reader semi-privacy If desired, the
of any desired height, with or without glass, and partition can carry shelves and desk, as in figure 41

Fig 39 Individual study compartments, Widener Memorial Fig 4Q Study carrels and special low cases, University of

Library, Harvard University Illinois, Urbana, Illinois

\

Fig 41 Study carrels showing movable desk and adjustable Ftg 42 Study carrels in Snead Standard Stack, Baker Me-

shelves Sterling Memorial Library, Yale University, New mortal Library, Dartmouth College Separated by steel and

Haven, Conn glass partitions and protected by open cases*

21

|N LARGE public or university libraries,
occasions frequently arise where com-
pactness of storage is a prime essential
for meeting certain library problems
To meet this need, Snead and Company has de-
veloped a system of roller cases by the use of
which about SO per cent more books can be stored
in a given space than is possible by the ordinary
fixed shelving system

Simply stated, i oiler cases are metal stack units
mounted on wide tread fibre rollers When books
from these stacks are not needed the cases stand
in a solid bank side by side (See figure 44) When
a book IS called for, a single case is pulled straight
out into the main aisle by
a handle (See figures
43 and 44).

Snead roller cases dif-
fer from any others in
that they require neither
floor tracks nor over-
head suppoit or guid-
ance, thus utilizing the
maximum room height
for the storage of books
Overhead tracks are ex-

t

pensive and floor tracks form obstructions, collect
dirt, and are particularly objectionable in the aisles,
as well as adding to installation costs Snead
roller cases, requiring neither, may be used in any
empty room whose floor is haid enough to permit
them to roll readily Carefully finished concrete
or smooth, hard tile make excellent floors for this
purpose The mam aisles are, of course, made
wide enough to accommodate the pulled-out case
Locking arrangements can be provided to secure
a whole bank of roller cases, or locks can be in-
stalled on each case Roller cases equipped with
wide ends, installed side by side and extending
from the floor to the ceiling, effectively protect

their contents from dust
and fire At the same
time the books are as
accessible as letters in a
file cabinet

The cases themselves
can be provided with
either standard or
bracket type shelf sup
ports, as described in
detail in another section
of this book

Ftg 43 Roller Cases, Toronto Public Reference Library, one
fulled out full length

22

23

Height — 7 feet and 7 feet 6 inches, measuring from top surface
of deck floor to top surface of next deck floor
Aisles — Mam, 3 feet to 5 feet or more Range, 2 feet 6 inches to
3 feet or slightly more

Ranges— L engths, as required, preferably not over 30 feet, in
even multiples of shelf Icn^h Depths, single faced to
for books, and 22^4" for newspapers, double

faced 1654" to 2454" for books, 37" and 44^" for newspapers
Shelves — L engths, as required, generally 3 feet, not to exceed
3 feet 6 inches, depths, 8", 9", 10" and 12" for books, 18" and
22" for newspapers

Stairs— Straight runs, well length, 8 to 9 feet, 12 risers, width,

2 feet 6 inches or more Return runs, well length, 6 feet 8 inches,
12 risers , width, 5 feet or more

Deck Floor — Rough plate glass slabs, heavily sanded one side
thick Rough plate wire glass slabs, heavily sanded one
side, thick Marble, fine sand rubbed on all exposed sur-
faces, 154'' Ribbon black slate, 154" Stone substi-

tutes are generally 1J4" thick Reinforced concrete slabs, 254"
or 3" thick without plaster or floor covering Floor covering,
Asphaltum tile, Rubbertile, cork, linoleum, etc Total thickness
of deck floor, for ordinary span, from top of slabs to bottom of
supporting steel framing glass, 454", 54" glass, 4", 154"
marble, slate or stone, 4^4" Concrete, 2^" to 3"

Width and Capacity of Shelves

No definite rules can be laid down regarding the width of
shelves required as much depends on the method of classification,
space available and use to which the library is put Where
economy and compactness of storage are important, 8 inch
shelving is recommended for bookstacks in general Most books
are 6 inches or less in depth and it is well to bear in mind that
waste space back of books collects dirt and is objectionable while
the same space added to the width of the aisles becomes valuable
The number of volumes that can be stored per Imeal foot of
shelving depends on the character of the books The following
table has been prepared by averaging the data collected from
various general and special libraries, for convenience in comput-
ing the amount of stack necessary, the capacity being based on
stacks 754 feet high with seven rows of shelves, six adjustable
and one fixed, in the height

Vola per

Vola perlinl

Vola per

Recom

mended

ft of

ft of single-

3 ft of single

width of

Kind of books

shelf

faced range

faced range

shelves

Circulating

10

70

210

8 inches

Fiction

9

63

189

8 »

Economics

9

63

189

8 “

General Literature

8

56

168

8 “

Reference

8

56

168

8-10 "

History

8

56

168

8 “

Technical and

Scientific

7

49

147

8-10 “

Medical

654

455^

neVz

10

Law

4^

38J4

iisyi

8 “

Public documents

6

42

126

8 “

Bound periodicals

SV2

38^

iisH

10 »

U S Patent Specifica-

tions 2 (144 vols )

per year

14

8 “

For Double-faced ranges multiply number of volumes listed
above by two

Unit Stack Weights

Books — 25 lbs per cubic foot of ranges

Stack Construction — 8 lbs per cubic foot of ranges

Steel Floor Framing — 4 lbs per square foot of gross deck area

Deck Flooring — 254" reinforced concrete slab, 32 lbs per sq ft
gross area 3" reinforced concrete slab, 38 lbs per sq ft,
gross area If plastered and with fioor covering add 8 lbs per
sq ft, gross area 154 " marble or slate, 18 lbs per sq ft, aisle
area rough plate glass, 11 lbs per sq ft, aisle area

54" rough wire glass, 10 lbs per sq ft , aisle area

Live Loads — 100 lbs per sq ft of aisle area to avoid vibration
For column loads assume 40 lbs per sq ft of aisle area for
live load and reduce this figure 5% for each deck below the
top deck

Plan showing an example of typical stack construction

2103 “

Stack Loads

The following table illustrates the general variation of stack
loads for from one to twelve tiers of stack construction
Loading as per table of unit stack weights
A=Typical aisle end support
B=Typical intermediate support
C=Typical wall end support

8" SHELVING

Including stacks, books, live load and heaviest deck floor

Tiers

A

B

C

1

495

990

495

2

2,130

2,860

1,470

3

3,730

4,710

2,430

4

5,310

6,550

3,400

5

6,870

8,370

4,340

6

8,400

10,170

5,280

7

9,910

11,950

6,210

8

11,400

13,720

7,140

9

12,870

15,490

8,060

10

14,320

17,230

8,970

9,880

11

15,760

18,970

20,690

12

17,170

10,790

10^ SHELVING

Including stacks, books, live load and heaviest deck floor

Tiers

A

B

C

1

620

1,240

620

2

2,360

4.070

3,320

1,700

3

5,380

2,770

4

5,760

7,430

3,840

5

7,420

9,470

4,890

6

9,060

11,490

5,940

7

10,680

13,500

6,990

8

12,290

15,500

8,030

9

13,870

17,480

9,060

10

15,430

19,450

10,080

11

16,980

21,410

11,100

12

18,510

23,360

12,120

P ARTtAL LIST OF S NEAD STACK IHSTAH^Tti^

ALABAMA

Alabama College Library, Moata-
valle, Ala

University of Alabama Library,
Tuscaloosa, Ala

East Lake Branch, Birmingham
Pubhc Library, Birmingham, Ala

ARIZONA

University of Arizona Library, Tuc-
son, Ariz

ARKANSAS

University of Arkansas Library,
Fayetteville, Ark

Arkansas St Capitol Law Library,
Little Rock, Ark

CALIFORNIA

Umversity of California, Berkeley,
Cal

Mary Norton Clapp Library, Occi-
dental Colley, Los Angeles, Cal

Los Angeles Public Library, Los
Angeles, Cal

Sacramento City Library, Sacra-
mento, Cal

San Francisco Pubhc Library, San
Francisco, Cal

Leland Stanford University Library,
Stanford University, Cal

California State Library, Sacra-
mento, Cal

Pacific School of Religion, Berke
ley. Cal

COLORADO

Denver Public Library, Denver,

CONNECTICUT
Burroughs Library and Reading
Room, Bndgeport, Conn
Connecticut College for Women,
New London, Conn
Hagaman Memorial Library, East
Haven, Conn

Obn Memorial Library, Wesleyan
University, Middletown, Conn
Sterbng Memonal Library, Yale
University, New Haven, Conn
Blackstone Memorial Library,
Branford, Conn

Wilhams Memorial Library, Trinity
College, Hartford. Conn
Hartford Medical Society, Library
Wing, Hartford, Conn
Ferguson Memonal Library, Stam-
ford, Conn

Conn Amcultural Eiroenment Sta-
tion, New Haven, Conn
Phoebe Gnffin Noyes Library,
Lyme, Conn

Peck Library j Norwich Free Acad
cmy, Norwich, Conn
Sterling Law Library, Yale Univ,
New Haven, Conn
Sterling Hall of Medicine, Yale
Umv , New Haven, Conn

DELAWARE

Delaware State Capitol, Dover, Del

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Geophysical Laboratoty, Carnegie
Inst of Washington, Washington,
D C

Mullen Library, Catholic Univ of
Amer , Washington, D C
Li^ra^ of Congress, Washington,

U S Dept of Commerce Bldg ,
Washington D C
U S Dept of the Interior Bldg ,
Washington, D C
U S Dept ot Labor Bldg , Wash
u^on, D C

U S Shippmg Board, Washington,
D C

U S War Department Bldg ,
Washington,!) C
U S Tariff Commission Bldg ,
Washington, D C
Army War College, Washington
D C

U S Dept of Agriculture, Wash
mgton, D C

Washington Public Library, Wash-
ington, D C

FLORIDA

Flonda Agricultural Experiment
Station, Umv of Fla , Gainesville,
Fla

Lakeland Public Library, Lakeland,
Fla

GEORGIA

Emory University, Emory Um
versity, Ga

Savannah Pubhc Library, Savan
nab, Ga

Wesleyan Female College, Macon,
Ga

Medical College of Georgia, Au
gusta, Ga

ILLINOIS

American College of Surgeons, Chi
cago, 111

Buck Meml Library, Ilbnois Wes
leyan Umv , Bloomin^on, 111

Chicago Public Libraries, Dcgler
Branch, Douglas Branch, Chi
cago. 111

Umversity of Chicago, Classic
Bldg , Theology Bldg , Wie
boldt Hall, Harper Meml Li
brary, Chicago, 111

Garrett Biblical Institute, Evans
ton, 111

Northwestern University, Evans
ton. 111

Umversity of Ilhnois Library, Ur
bana. III

Cudahy Memorial Library, Loyola
Umversity, Chicago, 111

Evanston Public Library, Evans
ton. 111

Peona Public Library, Peoria, III

Appellate Court Library, Mt Ver
non, 111

University of Notre Dame, Notre
Dame, Ind

Purdue Univ Library, Lafayette,
Ind

Indiana St Normal School, Terre
Haute, Ind

Gary Pubhc Library, Gary, Ind
IOWA

Davenport Public Library, Daven
port la

Iowa State College, Ames, la
Sioux City Public Library, Sioux
City, la

Iowa St Teachers College, Cedar
Fall^ la

Iowa St Umv Law Bldg , Iowa
City, la
KANSAS

Kansas St Agncultural College,
Manhattan, Kansas
KENTUCKY

Jefferson County & Umv of Louis-
ville, Medical Library, Louisville,
Ky

Southern Baptist Theological Sem
inary, Louisville, Ky
Louisville Pubhc Library, Louis-
ville, Ky
LOUISIANA

Louisiana Polytechnic Inst , New
Orleans, La

Hill Memorial Library, University
of Louisiana, Baton Rouge, La
Loyola Umv Library, New Or
leans, La

Dixon Hall, Stmhie Newcomb Col
lege, Tulane Umv , New Orleans,
La

MAINE

Bangor Public Library, Bangor,
Me

Portland Public Library, Portland,
Me

Maine Historical Society, Portland,
Me

INDIANA

Concordia College, Fort Wayne,
Ind

MARYLAND

Baltimore Bar Library, Baltimore,
Md

The Small Library

It has sometim-es erroneously been thought that Snead and
Company was not interested in the small library Quite the
contrary is true, and we especially desire to be consulted in
the planning of the less pretentious public or private library,
or the housing of books for schools, clubs and churches The
result® of our forty years of experience in equipping every type
of library are, of course, available to anyone who has a
library-planning problem to mee;t

The small library more than the large, perhaps, can be
greatly benefited by the use of standard equipment in regular
stock sizes, as outlined in another section of this book By the
use of standard stacks and other supplies, the small library
can secure the finest type of metal library appointments,
promptly delivered and well serviced, without undue expense

If multi-tier construction is to be used m a small library, it
will probably be limited to 3 or 4 tiers at the most With care-
ful planning this type of building can be interesting and
beautiful, and have real character and distinction (see figures
13, 14 and 15)

Practically all of the principles laid out in this book apply,
in some degree, to the small library As in other cases, we
will either provide the necessary equipment with complete
instructions for its erection by local workmen, or we will
undertake the responsibility for the whole installation, com-
plete and ready for books to be put on the shelves If the
library is a simple one-tier type we recommend the employ-
ment of local workmen as entirely satisfactory and leas expen-
sive On more elaborate installations the use of our experi-
enced men is desirable

Welch Medical Library, Johna
Hopkins Umv , Baltimore, Md
University of Maryland Library,
Baltimore, Md

Gilman Hall, Johns Hopkins Umv ,
Baltimore, Md

Medical and Chirurgical Faculty of
Maryland, Baltimore, Md
Phipps Paychiatnc Institute, Balti-
more, Md

Maryland Historical Society, Balti
more. Md

MASSACHUSETTS
Amherst College Library, Amherst,
Mass

Beverly Farms Library, Beverly
Farms. Mass

Boston Athenaeum, Boston, Maas
Concord Free Public Library, Con-
cord, Mass

Harvard University, Widentr Mem-
orial Library, Chemical Labora-
tory, Cambridge, Mass
Massachusetts College of Phar-
macy, Boston, Mass
Mass Institute of Technology,
Cambrittec, Mass
Wheaton College, Norton, Mass
Williams College, WiUiamstown,
Mass

Springfield City Library, Spring-
field, Mass

Fall River Public Library, Fall
River, Mass

Lynn Public Library, Lynn, Mass
Mason Library, Great Bamngton,
Mass

Somerville Free Public Library,
Somerville, Mass

Beverly Public Library, Beverly,
Mass

Perkins Inst for the Blind, Water-
town, Mass

Brooklme Pubhc Library, Brook-
line, Mass

MICHIGAN

Marygrovc College, Detroit, Mich
Michigan Agricultural College, East
Lansing, Mich

University of Michigan Library,
Ann Arbor, Mich
State Normal College Library,
Ypsilanti, Mich

Saulte Ste Mane Public Library,
Saulte Ste Mane, Mich

MINNESOTA

Hill Reference Library, St Paul,
Minn

Minneapolis Public Library, Min
neapolis, Minn

Minnesota St Normal School, Man
kato, Minn

St Paul Pubhc Library, St Paul,
Minn

MISSISSIPPI

Millsaps College, Jackson, Mias
MISSOURI

Concordia Semmary, St Louis, Mo
Drury College, Springfield, Mo
Washmgton University, Medical
School, Law School, Biology
Dept j St Louis, Mo
University of Missoun Library,
Columbia, Mo

University of Missoun, Biology
Bldg , Columbia, Mo

MONTANA

University of Montana, Missoula,
Mont

NEBRASKA

Creighton University, Omaha, Neb
NEW HAMPSHIRE
Dartmouth College, Baker Me-
morial Library, Amos Tuck
School Hanover, N H
New Hampshire Historical So
mety, Concord, N H

25

PARTIAL LIST OF SNEAD STACK INSTALLATIONS

Manchester Public Libraty, Man
Chester, N H

New Hampshire State Library,
Concord, N H

Davis Memorial Library, Philhps-
Exeter Academy, Exeter, N H
Howe Library, Hanover, N H
Barnes Library, Kimball Academy,
Meriden, N H

NEW JERSEY

Elizabeth Public Library, Elizabeth,

^ N J

Summit Free Public Library, Sum
mit, N J

Princeton Theological Seminary,
Pnneeton, N J

Johnson Public Library, Hacken
sack, N J

Ct^er Branch Libiary, Camden,

Free Public Library, East Orange,
N J

Essex County Court House, New-
ark, N J

NEW YORK

Engineering Societies Libxary, New
York, N Y

Amer Geographical Society, New
York, N Y

Syracuse Public Library, Syracuse,

NY

Russell Sage Foundation Library,
New York N Y

New Rochelle Public Library, New
Rochelle, N Y

Myron Taylor Hall, Cornell Univ ,
Ithaca, N Y

Hispanic Society Library, New
York, N Y

American Institute of Bankmg,
New Yoik, N Y

Biblical Seminary, New York, N Y

Brooklyn Public Libiary, Brooklyn,

NY

Columbia University^ Schermer-
liom Hall, Kent Hall, Officers'
Law Library, New York, N Y

College of the City of New York,
New York, N Y

New York Academy of Medicine,
New York. N Y

Pieipont Morgan Libraiy, New
York NY

Port Chester Public Libiary, Port
Chester, N Y

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute,
Troy, N Y

University of Rochester, Mam Li-
brary, Medical School Library,
Eastman School of Music, Re-
search Laboratory, Art Museum,
Rochester, N Y

Vassar College Library, Pough
keepsie, N Y

Amer Museum of Natural History,
New York, N Y

Union Theological Seminaiy, New
York N Y

Rochester Theological Seminary,
Rochester, N Y

New York Genealogical & Bio-
^ajffiical Society, New York,

Union College Library, Schenec-
tady. N Y

Rochester Medical Association, Ro-
chester, N Y

Goodyear Memorial Library, Gro-
ton N Y

White Plains Public Library, White
Plains, N Y

New York County Lawyers As-
sociation Library, New York,
N Y

Adriance Memorial Library, Pough-
keepsie, N Y

Sarah Lawrence College Library,
Bronxville, N Y

Huntington Free Library and
Reading Room, New York, N Y

NORTH CAROLINA

Duke University Library, Duiham,
N C

East Carolina Teachers College,
Greenville, N C

Elon College^ Elon College, N C
North Carolina College for Worn
en, Greensboro, N C
Wake Forest College Library, Wake
Forest, N C

University of North Carolina Li
biaiy, Chapel Hill, N C
North Carolina Library Commis
Sion Library, Raleigh, N C

NORTH DAKOTA
Liberty Memorial Library, Bis
mark, N D

Univeisity of North Dakota, Grand
Forks, N D

OHIO

Allen Memorial Medical Library,
Cleveland, O

Albert Emanuel Library, Univeisi
ty of Dayton, Dajton, O
H^rew Union College, Cincinnati,

Ohio St Archaeological and His
toncal Society, Columbus, 0
University of Cincinnati Library,
Cincinnati, O

Akron Public Library, Akron, O
Ohio State University Libraiy, Co-
lumbus, O

Mt St Mary's Seminary, Noi-
wood, Cingjnnati, 0 ^

OREGON

Oregon Agricultural College, Cor-
vallis, Ore

Oregon Historical Society, Poit-
land, Ore

Umversity of Oregon Library, Eu-
gene, Ore

Library Association of Portland,
Portland, Ore

PENNSYLVANIA
Meadville.- Public Library, Mead-
vifie,

MuMenberg College Library, Allen-
town, Pa

Universi^ of Pennsylvania, Dub
ring Memorial Win^ Penniman
Library, Bennett Hall, Biddle
Law Library, Philadelphia, Pa
Spalding Memonal Library, Athens,
Fa

Villanova College, Villanova, Pa
Lehigh University Library, Beth-
lehem, Pa

College of Physicians, Philadelphia,
Pa

Academy of Natural Sciences, Phila-
delphia, Pa

Haverford College Library, Haver-
ford, Pa

Pittsburgh North Side Carnegie
Free Library, Pittsburgh, Pa
Reading Public Library, Reading,
Pa

Theological Seminary of St Charles
Borromeo, Overbrook, Pa
Dropsie College Philadelphia, Pa
Van Wickle Memorial Library,
Lafayette College, Easton, Pa
Newtown Public Library, Newtown,
Pa

Gratz College, Philadelphia, Pa
Jefferson Medical College Library,
Philadelphia, Pa

John Stewart Memonal Library,
Wilson College, Charaberaburg,
Pa

RHODE ISLAND
William H Hall Free Library,
Edge wood, R I

Knight Memorial Library, Provi
dence, R I

East Greenwich Free Library, East
Greenwich, R I

SOUTH CAROLINA

Clemson College, Clemson College,
S C

University of South Carolina Li-
brary, Columbia, S C

SOUTH DAKOTA

South Dakota St College of Agri
culture and Mechamcal Arts,
Brookings, S D

TENNESSEE

University of Tennessee, Knoxville,
Tenn

Geoige Peabody College for Teach-
ers, Nashville Term

TEXAS

Baylor University, Waco, Tex
El Paso Public Libraiy, El Paso,
Tex

Houston Public Library, Houston,
Tex

Rice Institute, Houston, Tex
Agricultural and Mechamcal Col
lege, College Station, Tex
San Antonio Public Library, San
Antonio, Tex

Texas State Library, Austin, Tex
Dallas Public Library, Dallas, Tex
East Texas St Teachers College,
Commerce, Tex

UTAH

Utah Agricultural College, Logan,
Utah

VERMONT

Ve^ont State Library, Montpelier,

Vermont Free Public Library,
Montpelier, Vt

VIRGINIA

Randolph Macon College, Ashland,
Va

Richmond Public Library, Rich-
mond, Va

Virginia State Library, Richmond,
Va

Randolph Macon Women’s College,
Lynchburg, Va

Sweet Briar College, Sweet Briar,
Va

WASHINGTON

Ellensberg State Normal School,
Ellensberg, Wash
Longrview Public Library, Long-
view, Wash

WEST VIRGINIA
Bethany College Bethany, W Va
West Virginia Collegiate Institute,
Institute, W Va

West Virginia University, Morgan-
town, W Va

Wheeling Public Library, Wheeling,
W Va

Fairmont St Normal School, Fair-
mont, W Va

WISCONSIN

University of Wisconsin, Agn-
culturai Hall Library, Madison,
Wis

Wisconsin St Capitol Law Li-
brary, Madison, Wia
Wisconsin St Historical Society,
Madison, Wis

WYOMING

University of Wyoming, Laramie,

Wyoming

PHILIPPINES

University of the Philippines, Man-
ila, P I

FOREIGN

CANADA

BRITISH COLUMBIA
Umversity of British Columbia,
Point Grey, B C

British Columbia Parliamentary Li-
brary, Victoria, B C

ALBERTA

Provincial Library, Edmonton,
Alta

Calgary Public Library, Calgary,
Alta

Calgary Court House Law Li-
brary, Calgary, Alta
Edmonton Court House Law Li-
brary, Edmonton, Alta

ONTARIO

Fort William Public Library, Fort
William, Ont

Tillsonburg Pubhc Library, TiUson-
burg, Ont

Toronto Public Reference Library,
Toronto, Ont

Hamilton Public Library, Hamil-
ton, Ont

Ottawa Pubhc Library, Ottawa,
Ont

Victoria College Library, Toronto,
Ont

Knox College Library, Toronto,
Ont

Legislative Library, Toronto, Ont
QUEBEC

Bibliotheque St Sulpice, Montreal,
Que

McGill Umversity Medical Library,
Montreal, Que

Seminary of St Hyacmthe, St
Hyacinthe. Que

Monastery or Fathers of the Blessed
Sacrament, Montreal, Que

SASKATCHEWAN
Moose Jaw Pubhc Library, Moose
Jaw, Saak

Reg^ Public Library, Regina,

Saskatchewan Legislative Library,
Regina, Sask

NOVA SCOTIA

Dalhousie University, Halifax N S

VATICAN CITY

Vatican Library, Vatican City

ITALY

International Institute of Pnvate
Law, Rome Italy
Russian ColIegCj Rome, Italy
Pontifical Institute of Oriental
Studies, Rome, Italy

FRANCE

University of Lyon Library, Lyon,
Fiance

GREECE

American School of Classical
Studies, Athens, Greece

INDIA

Central Library, Baroda State,
Baroda, India

Bankiport High Court, Bankiport,
India

HAWAII

Library of Hawaii, Honolulu, T H
MANCHURIA

Dairen Public Library, Dairen,
Manchuria

Mukden Pubhc Library, Mukden,
Manchuna

JAPAN

Imperial University, Tokio, Japan
CHINA

Tsmg Hua College Library, Peking,
China

26